Phone Interview Tips

For in-house jobs, the interview process often starts with a phone screen for the employer’s top 5-8 candidates. From that group, the top 2-3 are brought in live before any decisions are made.

So if you are at the phone screen stage, you have a decent shot at the job! Take this call very seriously. A quick refresher on how to do your best:

1. Answer the call on a land line. If you can’t, at least find a quiet spot with a good signal, and charge your phone beforehand. Be available when the interviewer calls. The call can start early/late and run over, so make sure you have enough buffer.
2. Take the call standing and smile. Vary your rhythm and volume. Do project energy and enthusiasm because the phone deadens everyone.
3. Keep your answers short and on-point. It’s surprisingly easy to talk over someone or ramble without visual cues to guide you.
4. As with any interview, phone or in-person, be prepared. Research the company, rehearse answers to likely questions, and have good questions ready, ones that show you researched and care about the job.